After Major Meltdown, Mets Face Massive Off-Season Turnover

Juan Soto congratulates Francisco Lindor after the shortstop’s leadoff home run. Both have guaranteed long-term contracts and will return in 2026. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

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Meet the Mets figures to be more than a theme song next season.

With the exception of core players Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor, the roster will be revamped as the team seeks to rebound from a historic fall that even a hefty payroll couldn’t prevent.

According to Roster Resource, the Mets ranked second among the 30 teams at $340 million – joining the Los Angeles Dodgers as the only teams that paid players more than $300 million – but couldn’t retain a playoff spot that looked virtually certain until the final weekend.

Riches to Rags

The team wet 45-24 through June 12 but 38-55 afterward, losing their last game on the last day when a victory would have netted the National League’s final wild-card spot. Not quite first to worst but pretty darn close, with only the Washington Nationals and Colorado Rockies posting even lower winning percentages.

For Steve Cohen, the billionaire hedge-fund executive who owns the team, the development was so embarrassing that he issued a public apology – channeling his inner George Steinbrenner (the late owner of the Yankees was notorious for a similar gesture of appeasement toward angry fans).

Before the 2025 campaign even opened, Cohen pulled a public relations coup by luring Yankees slugger Juan Soto to Queens with the largest and longest free-agent contract in baseball history (15 years for $765 million).

Before that, Cohen had already given shortstop Francisco Lindor a 10-year, $341 million deal that was then the biggest contract the club had ever offered.

Roster Upheaval

Both had 30/30 seasons, justifying Cohen’s investments, but could be the only returning players from the Reverse Cinderella team of 2025.

First baseman Pete Alonso, who has hit more home runs than anyone else in Mets history, has already announced he is opting out of his contract to test free agency for the second straight year.

Star closer Edwin Diaz could do the same, though his contract contains a pair of player options for $18.5 million plus a $17.25 million club option (and $1 million buyout) for 2028.

In addition, all four players acquired by Stears at the trade deadline are unrestricted free agents. Counting Alonso and Diaz, Mets who could leave via free agency include Starling Marte, Jesse Winker, Ryne Stanek, Griffin Canning, and the four trade acquisitions: Ryan Helsley, Cedric Mullins, Tyler Rogers, and Gregory Soto.

The team could exercise its $4.75 million club option on set-up reliever Brooks Raley but could be stuck with injured pitchers Frankie Montas and A.J. Minter, both of whom have player options.

Arbitration Candidates

Nine other players are eligible for arbitration, a process almost certain to inflate the 2026 payroll. They are catchers Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens, outfielder Tyrone Taylor, and pitcher David Peterson, key players on this year’s team. A big question-mark hovers over Tylor Megill, who pitched well when healthy but spent consider time on the injured list.

The Mets will also need to make decisions on veterans with guaranteed contracts. Outfielder Brandon Nimmo is due $101.25 through 2030 and versatile Jeff McNeil is owed $17.75 million through next season. Both have never played anywhere else but could be squeezed by younger, less expensive players.

Trading any of them would be difficult though not impossible, requiring only the consent of the player – perhaps with a little financial incentive attached.

Pitchers Sean Manaea, Clay Holmes, and Kodai Senga might also be moved this winter. All are guaranteed at least $25 million through 2027 – which any acquiring club would have to honor. They had been expected to anchor the starting rotation this season but fell victim to injuries, inconsistent performance, or both.

Alonso’s Next Stop

Much of the team’s off-season strategy will depend upon Alonso. Although the Mets have the financial resources to keep him, the powerful first baseman could be lured by a club with a home ballpark more appealing to a power hitter than CitiField. Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park, Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark, and Boston’s Fenway Park would qualify.

The Phillies could make the strongest pitch to Alonso if their own home run leader, Kyle Schwarber, also enters the free-agent market. If the Phils sign Alonso, Bryce Harper would simply return to his former position in right field.

Another Alonso suitor could be the New York Yankees, who are looking for a first baseman.

The market for Diaz, who routinely throws fastballs in triple digits, would also be lively, as almost every team could find room for a lights-out closer.

Before the Mets resolve their multiple player decisions, they must find new coaches. Virtually all of those who served under Carlos Mendoza have been released. That list includes pitching coach Jeremy Hefner, bench coach John Gibbons, and third-base coach Mike Sarbaugh. Also gone is catching instructor Glenn Sherlock, who has retired.

Mendoza, whose team fell from the best record in baseball to playoff spectators, will be back to start his third season at the helm, according to Stearns. But he could be on a short leash.

The Mets finished second in the National League East but fell out of title contention in September, finally ending 13 games behind Philadelphia. With an 83-79 record – just four games over .500 – they won six fewer games than they did the year before.

They have not won a division title or pennant since 2015 or a world championship since 1986.